Two can carrier



July 26, 1960 M. WILLIAMSON 2,946,621

' TWO CAN CARRIER Filed July 19, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 lllll u IN V EN TOR.

Marshall 1. Williamson ATTORNEY July 26, 1960 M. I. WILLIAMSON TWO CAN CARRIER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 19, 1957 Fig. 1

2 INVENTOR.

' Mars/val! f. Williamson A TTORNEY July 26, 1960 l. WILLIAMSON 2,946,621

TWO CAN CARRIER Filed July 19, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR. Marshall 1'. Wz'Z/z'amson ATTORNEY July 26, 1960 M. WILLIAMSON 2,945,621

TWO CAN CARRIER Filed July 19, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Hill IN V EN TOR. Marshall l Vi ll z'amson A TTORNEY United States Patent i TWO CAN CARRIER Marshall 1. Williamson, New Haven, Conn., assignor to Federal Paper Board Company, Inc., Bogota, N.J., a corporation of New York Filed July '19, 195,7, Ser. No. 672,953

Claims. (Cl. 294-872) I of a diameter somewhat larger than the diameter of the can body. Glass jars closed by a cap having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the body portion of the jar below the cap, and other similarly shaped receptacles or articles may be treated in the same manner as chime-end cans, and the invention described in the following text isapplicable to such articles or receptacles.

The present invention provides a structure of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, which can be attached to the ends of a series of chime-end cans or simi larly shaped articles to combine the articles as a unit and hold them securely without the use of adhesives or supplementary fastening means between the combining structure and the articles or receptacles to which it is applied.

Structures incorporating the present invention basically comprise a top panel by which the device may be grasped or carried. For this purpose appropriate apertures may be provided in the top panel through which fingers may be inserted in order to carry the unit. Downwardly extending side walls are articulated to the top panel, and a main or cell panel is articulated to the side walls underneath the top panel.

Substantially polygonal cells are formed in the main panel which grasp the receptacle or article snugly about its body underneath the chime, rim, or other projection, the construction being such that the larger rim may be inserted without difiiculty but, once inserted, cannot be following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of it, in which! Figure 1 is a plan view of a flat blank of paperboard from which a two-can carrier may be made, the outer surface facing the observer;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the blank of Figure 1 after a folding and gluing operation resulting in the formation of a tubular structure; 7

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tubular structure of Figure 2 after squaring; v v

Figure'4 is a perspective view of the structure of Figure 3 after a further folding operation resulting in the formation of polygonal container grasping cells, the device being shown upside down; V

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the device shown in Figure 4; i Y

Figure 6 is an end elevation, partly in section, of the device shown in Figure 4, the section being taken on line 6-6 of Figure 4;" i v Figure 7 is a perspective view of the device-of Figure 4 after insertion of two chime-end spout cans; and

'Figure 8 is a perspective view of a modified form of carrier device having finger holes in place of a handle strap. I

In the following description and in the claims various details will be identified by specific names for convenience. The names, howevenare intended to be generic in their application. Correspondin g'reference characters refer to corresponding parts in the several figures of the drawings.

The drawings accompanying, and forming part of, this specification disclose certain specific details of the invention for the purpose ofexplanation of broader aspects, but it is understood that the detailsmay be modified in various respects without departure from the principles of r the invention, and that the invention may beapplied'to other structures than the ones shown. 3

The blank A of Figure 1 consists of foldable sheet material, such as paperboard, and may be cut and scored in multiple from rolls or sheets of board on conventional cutting and creasing machines. a v

The blank comprises a top panel -11, a first side wall readily withdrawn. This is accomplished by an unusual 1 top panel and side wall construction. The arrangement of the various article-engaging and locking panels is such that the grip becomes even tighter and more secure if the structure is lifted up'by the top panel.

The invention has particular application to paperboard carriers for an even number of cans which may be of relatively large volumetric capacity of up to, and even in excess of, one quart or one liter.

The various features of the invention and its structural details will appear more fully from the detailed description which follows accompanied by drawings showing; for the purpose of illustration, a preferred embodiment of the invention. The invention also resides in certain new and original features of construction and combination of elements hereinafter set forth and claimed. Although the characteristic features of this invention which are believed to be novel will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, its ob-j jects and advantages, and the manner in which it. may be carried out may be better understood by referfing 'tothe and a glue lap 15. The several panels are articulated to one another along fold lines of which fold line 16 may be called a top fold line, 17 and18 main fold lines and 19 a further top fold line. Two cell cuts 20 extend'acrossthe main panel and extend beyond the top fold lines 17 and 18 into the body of'the side walls 12 and '13. The cell cuts 20'terminate at'transverse cuts 21 and 22 in the side walls 12 and 14',- respectively. The side walls are traversed by intermediate folding scores 23 and 24. These intermediate folding scores are parallel to the top and the main fold lines and determine the location of the transverse cuts 21, 22 in the side walls which extend between apex points 25, 26 and between" apex points 27 and 28. The apex points may be con: sidered the ends of the transverse side wall cuts '21 and 22. i

The cuts may be straight, but are preferably of arcuate shape, bowed towards the top fold lines 16 and 19, respectively, for reasons which will appear hereinafter.

The apex points are spaced a distanced from the cell 1 cuts and are spaced a'distance D from the top fold lines 16 and 19, D exceeding d by atleast one-sixteenth of an inch, the preferred difference being'one-eighth'of an inch for chime-end cans. The difference in the twofdis-l 1 Patented July 26,1960? then the difference between D and d should be equal to, or slightly greater than, the cap thickness.

Diagonal scores 29, 30, 31 and 32 extend from the apex points 25, 26, 27 and 28 towards the main .fold lines 17 and 18, a preferred angle of thediagonal scores with respect to the intermediate folding scores being 45 degrees.

' The respective intermediate folding scores 23 and 24 and the diagonal scores define substantially triangular hinge panels 33, 34, 35 and 36.

The main panel is subdivided into narrow panel portions by a plurality of main panel scores of which three scores 37, 38 and 39 are shown in Figure l. The number of main panel scores determines the shape of the cells formed in the main panel by folding operations later to be described. Three main panel scores result in a 12- sided polygon, two main panel scores in a l-sided polygon and one score in an octagon.

The walls of the cell structure are outlined by folding scores which in the flat blank form a somewhat irregular and elongated polygon. In the illustrated form of structure the cell scores comprise score lines 48, 49, 50 and 51 extending from the ends of the diagonal scores 29, 30, 31 and 32. A preferred angle for the scores 48, 49, 50 and 51 is 60 degrees with respect to the top fold lines 17 and 18 in a structure in which the cells are 12-sided.

Further cell scores 52, 53, 54 and 55 extend from the ends of the scores 48, 49, 50 and 51 towards a central point 56. The cell scores 52, 53, 54 and 55 preferably extend at angles of 75 degrees with respect to the main panel scores 37 and 39. Auxiliary folding scores 57, 58, 59 and 60 may be provided extending to the ends of the diagonal scores 29, 30, 31, and 32 to facilitate the formation of the cell walls later to be described.

The diagonal scores 29 and 30 form a substantially trapezoidal panel 61 in the side wall 12 with the fold lines 17 and 23. A similar trapezoid 62 is formed in the opposite side wall 14. These panels may for convenience be called major trapezoids.

Minor trapezoidal panels 63 and 64 rise above the major trapezoids and are bounded by the cell scores 43, 49, 50 and 51 and the respective parallel scores 17, 39, and 18, 37. Triangular panel portions 65 and 66 rise above the minor trapezoids 63 and 64, respectively.

The top panel 11 may comprise means for grasping a completed carrier structure. In the illustrated form of blank a handle 40 is formed by cuts 41 and 42 extending into the body of the side wall 12 at 41', 42'. A continuation of the handle panel is formed in the glue lap 15 which is notched at 43 and 44, cuts 41" and 42" extending into the body of the side wall panel 14.

The top panel 11 further comprises apertures 45 for accommodating spouts of spout cans, as will later be seen.

The blank A of Figure 1 may be converted into a carrier or handle structure as follows 1* Adhesive is first applied to the glue lap 15, and the glue lap 15 and the side wall 14 are then folded about the fold line 18 and the top panel 11 is folded about the fold line 16 to bring the end portion of the panel 11 into adhesive engagement with the glue lap. In order to facilitate the folding operation of the top panel 11, the cuts 41 and 42 are preferably made by cutting knives having knicked edges so as to cut the board along the lines 41 and 42 with the exception of small uncut bridges 46 and 47 which are strong enough to hold the entire top panel together during the folding operation, yet weak enough to permit easy separation of the handle 40 from the remainder of the top panel when the device is put into use.

The result of the folding and gluing operation is a flat collapsed tubular structure A. It may be shipped and stored in flat condition and may quickly be converted into a handle or carrier structure for attachment to chime-end cans or other receptacles without further gluing operations. This is done as follows:

The tubular blank structure A" is first squared as shown in Figure 3. Next, the cells are formed by application of force F substantially downwardly and inwardly as indicated in Figure 3 and simultaneous application of force F downwardly and outwardly. F causes the central portion of the main panel 13 to either side of the center 56 to be moved into substantially vertical position with respect to the top panel 11. The force F causes the remainder of the main panel 13 to be folded outwardly to form straps. The hinge lines of these folding operations are the diagonal scores 29, 30, 31 and 32 of which only 31 and 32 are visible in Figure 3.

The resulting structure is shown in Figure 4. In it the lower portions of the side walls 12 and 14 are substantially vertical, while the upper portions of the side walls represented by the triangular panels 35, 36 and the major trapezoidal panel 62 are inclined with respect to the lower portions of the side walls. The minor trapezoids 63 and 64 are inclined with respect to the major trapezoids 61 and 62 and the triangular panel portions 65 and 66 are inclined with respect to the minor trapezoids 63 and 64. The central point 56 forms a peak, as is also seen in Figure 5.

In the event the cells are of substantial depth, the

diagonal auxiliary folding scores 57, 58, 59 and 60 facilitate the formation of the substantially vertical cell walls by eliminating the danger of buckling.

The rising of the peak causes the main fold lines 17 and 18 to be drawn closer together. As a result, the outline of the cell, which in Figure 3 was elongated, becomes regular, so that the cell walls of the structure appear as the sides of a regular 12-sided polygon whose opposite sides are spaced a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the can body.

The peripheral cell walls grasp receptacles inserted into the cells snugly. Since the cell walls engage the cylindrical wall of the receptacle, there must be provision for distending the cell mouth sufficiently to permit the larger chime-end to enter without difiiculty. Also there must be provision for tightening of the cell walls around the cylindrical wall of the receptacle after insertion so that the larger chime-end of the can, or the larger cap of the jar cannot slip out.

The manner in which the cells may be distended for insertion of receptacles is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Referring first to Figure 5, the largest diameter D measured between the corners of the polygon may be enlarged to D by tilting the strap portions of the cell structure downwardly. This involves a pivoting movement about the apex points 25 and 27, of which only 27 is visible in Figure 5. The tilted strap portion is shown in broken lines, indicating clearly that the top edge 67 of the strap which was originally the side edge of the blank has moved outwardly a distance sufficient to permit an article having a diameter of less than D but greater than D to enter.

Tilting of the strap portion also involves an increase in the slant of the triangular panels 33 and 35, of which only 35 is visible in Figures 4 and 5. From Figure 5 it is further apparent that the enlargement of the cell mouth by the movement of the edge 67 in the direction of the arrow 68 is accompanied by an inward displacement of the bottom edge 20 of the strap. A can entering the cell aperture therefore automatically tends to move the strap back to its vertical position after moving a sufiicient distance into the mouth of the cell.

The cells may also be distended at right angles to the enlargement shown in Figure 5. This action is shown in Figure 6 and involves a temporary outward inclination of the lower portions of the side walls 12 and 14 whereby the edges 21 and 22 are moved from the normal distance D, to an enlarged distance D This action involves folding of the side walls at the intermediate folding aeraaei scores 23 and 24. The folding of the side wall portions involves a change in the inclination of the triangular panels 33 and 35 and of the major trapezoidal panels 61 and 62 with respect to the lower portions of the side walls.

After enlargement of the cell diameter from D to D as shown in Figure 6, the chimes of a can readily clear the edges 21 and 22. Additional clearance is provided by the arcuate shape of these edges, so that the central portions of the arcuate cuts are spaced wider than opposite apex points 25 and 27.

The inserted end of the can rests against the top panel whose width, measured between its bounding top fold lines 16 and 19, is substantially equal to the diameter of the can-chime. r

The inserted receptacles are securely held after their enlarged portions, the chime-end or the cap, snap past the edges 20 formed by the cell cuts.

Figure 7 shows the completed carrier structure A applied to two chime-end cans 69 having spout tops 70. The chime-ends 71 are securely locked by the edges 20, there being as many points of engagement as there are sides in the polygons. The tops 70 of the cans protrude through the apertures 45. A lifting force L applied at the handle 40 tends to draw in the side walls with the result that the grasp of the polygonal cell walls becomes even tighter.

In place of the strap handle 40 finger apertures 72 may be provided in the top panel of the carrier. Fingers inserted through the aperture 72 engage the inner walls of the central portion of the carrier in such a way that the walls are urged into tight engagement with the can walls, thereby making the engagement between the cell wall and the can even more secure.

What is claimed is:

1. A carrier for two chime-end cans, the carrier consisting of a single blank of paperboard and comprising, a pair of opposite side walls; a top panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along parallel top fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter; a main panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along two parallel main fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter, each side wall having an intermediate folding score in it parallel to, and between, said top and main fold line, said main panel having two spaced parallel cell cuts through it producing cut edges extending at right angles to, across, and beyond said main fold lines into the body of the side walls at least as far as said intermediate folding scores, said spaced parallel cuts dividing said main panel into two marginal portions adjacent the lateral edges of the blank and a central portion, said side walls having side cuts in them extending from, and substantially transverse to, the ends of said two spaced parallel cuts, the ends of the side cuts lying on the intermediate folding score and marking apex points, the said side walls further including diagonal scores extending from said apex points in a direction of 45 degrees with respect to said intermediate score towards said main fold line and in a direction away from the respective cell cut, the intersection of the diagonal scores with the main fold lines within the central portion marking base points, said main panel further including cellscores defining substantially triangular main panel areas having the respective portion of the main fold line between said base points as a base, the main panel also including a plurality of spaced parallel main scores extending parallel to, and between, the main fold lines, the stock of the main panel to either side of the said cell cuts being folded into aposition substantially upright with respect to said top panel in which position'they form polygonal cell walls adapted to grasp the circumference of the can, said side walls comprising substantially triangular hinge panels defined by said intermediate fold line, the lateral edge of the blank and certain of said diagonal scores, said hinge panels being tiltable relatively to the side walls in vvhich they are formed, and also tiltable relatively to the end most cell walls which are articulated to the side walls by said hinge panels, the top panel having two spaced handle cuts in it substantially at right angles to said top fold lines, said handle cuts extending across and beyond the top fold lines substantially to the intermediate folding scores in the side walls, the stock of the top panel between said handle cuts constituting a central handle'by which the carrier may be lifted.

2. A carrier for two chime-end. cans, the carrier consisting of a single blank of paperboardand comprising, a pair of opposite side walls; the top panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along parallel top fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter; a main panel between, andarticulated to, said side walls along two parallel main fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter, said main panel having two parallel cell cuts through it, the spacing of the cell cuts being substantially equal to' the can diameter, said cuts producing cut edges extending at right angles to, across, and beyond said main fold lines into the body of the side walls, said cell cuts dividing said main panel into two marginal portions adjacent the lateral edges of the blank and a central portion, said side walls having side cuts in them extending from, and substantially transverse to, the ends of the said cell cuts, the ends of the side cuts marking apex points approximately midway between said top and main fold lines, the said side walls further including diagonal scores extending from said apex points in a direction of 45 degrees with respect to said main fold line towards the main fold line and in a direction away from the respective cell cut,

. the intersection of the diagonal scores with the main fold lines within the central portion marking base points, said main panel further including cell scores defining two substantially triangular main panel areas having the re'- spective portion of the main fold line between said base points as a base, the main panel also including a plurality of spaced parallel main scores extending parallel to, and between, the main fold lines, the stock of the main panel to either side of the said cell cuts being folded into a position substantially upright with respect to said top panel. which position they form polygonal cell walls adapted'to grasp the circumference of the can, said side walls comprising substantially triangular hinge panels defined by said lateral edges, said diagonal scores and a further hinge line extending from said apex points to the respective lateral edge in a direction substantially parallel to said main fold lines, said hinge panels being tiltable relatively to the side walls in which they are formed, and also tiltable relatively to the endmost' cell walls which are articulated to the side walls by said hinge panels, the top panel having two spaced handle cuts in it substantially at right angles to said top fold lines, said handle cuts extending across and beyond said top fold lines into the side walls, the stock of the top panel between said handle cuts constituting a central handle by which the carrier may be lifted.

3. A carrier for two chime-end cans, the carrier consisting of a single blank of paperboard and comprising, a pair of opposite side walls; the top panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along parallel top fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter; a main panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along two parallel main fold lines spaced at distance substantially equal to the can diameter, said main panel having two parallel cell cuts through it, the

substantially transverse to, the ends of the said cell cuts, the ends of the side cuts marking apex points approximately midway between said top and main fold lines, the said side walls further including diagonal scores extending from said apex points in a direction of 45 degrees with respect to said main fold line towards the main fold line and in a direction away from the respective cell cut, the intersection of the diagonal scores with the main fold lines within the central portion marking base points, said main panel further including cell scores defining two substantially triangular main panel areas having the respective portion of the main fold line between said base points as a base, the main panel also including a plurality of spaced parallel main scores extending parallel to, and between, the main fold lines, the stock of the main panel to either side of the said cell cuts being folded into a position substantially upright with respect to said top panel in which position they form polygonal cell walls adapted to grasp the circumference of the can, said side walls comprising substantially triangular hinge panels defined by said lateral edges, said diagonal scores and a further hinge line extending from said apex points to the respective lateral edge in a direction substantially parallel to said main fold lines, said hinge panels being tiltable relatively to the side walls in which they are formed, and also tiltable relatively to the endmost cell walls which are articulated to the side walls by said hinge panels, the top panel having cuts in its central portion through which cuts fingers may be inserted for lifting the carrier by the top panel.

4. A carrier for an even number of chime-end cans, the carrier consisting of a single blank of paperboard and comprising, a pair of opposite side walls; a top panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along parallel top fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter; a main panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along two parallel main fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter, said main panel having an even number of parallel cell cuts through it, the spacing ot the cell cuts from one another being substantially equal to the can diameter, said cuts producing cut edges extending at right angles to, across, and beyond said main fold lines into the body of the side walls, said cell cuts dividing said main panel into two marginal portions adjacent the lateral edges of the blank and an odd number of intermediate portions, said side walls having side cuts in them extending from, and substantially transverse to, the ends of the said cell cuts, the ends of the side cuts marking apex points approximately midway between said top and main fold lines, the distance of the apex points to the proximate cell cut being at least one-sixteenth of an inch less than the distance of the apex point to the proximate top fold line, said side Walls further including diagonal scores extending from said apex points in a direction of 45 degrees with respect to said main fold line towards the main fold and in a direction away from the respective cell cut, the intersection of the diagonal scores with the main fold lines within the intermediate portion marking base points, said main panel further including cell scores defining opposite substantially triangular main panel areas having the respective portion of the main fold line between said base points as a base, the main panel also including a plurality of spaced parallel main scores extending parallel to, and between, the main fold lines, the stock of the main panel to either side of the said cell cuts being folded into a position substantially upright with respect to said top panel in which position they form polygonal cell walls adapted to grasp the circumference of the can, said side walls comprising substantially triangular hinge panels defined by said lateral edges, said diagonal scores and a further hinge line extending from said apex points to the respective lateral edge in a direction substantially parallel to said main fold lines, said hinge panels being tiltable relatively to the side walls in which they are formed, and also tiltable relatively to the endmost cell walls which are articulated to the side walls by said hinge panels, the top panel having two spaced handle cuts in it substantially at right angles to said top fold lines, said handle cuts extending across and beyond said top fold lines into the side walls, the stock of the top panel between said handle cuts constituting a central handle by which the carrier may be lifted.

5. A carrier for an even number of chime-end cans, the carrier consisting of a single blank of paperboard and comprising, a pair of opposite side walls; a top panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along parallel top fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter; a main panel between, and articulated to, said side walls along two parallel main fold lines spaced a distance substantially equal to the can diameter said main panel having an even number of parallel cell cuts through it, the spacing of the cell cuts from one another being substantially equal to the can diameter, said cuts producing cut edges extending at right angles to, across, and beyond said main fold lines into the body of the side walls, said cell cuts dividing said main panel into two marginal portions adjacent the lateral edges of the blank and an odd number of intermediate portions, said side walls having substantially arcuate side cuts in them extending from, and substantially transverse to, the ends of said cell cuts, the cuts being bowed towards said top fold line, the ends of the side cuts marking apex points approximately midway between said top and main fold lines, the distance of the apex points to the proximate cell out being at least one-sixteenth of an inch less than the distance of the apex point to the proximate top fold line, said side walls further including diagonal scores extending from said apex points in a direction of degrees with respect to said main fold line towards the main fold line and in a direction away from the respective cell cut, the intersection of the diagonal scores with the main fold lines within the intermediate portion marking base points, said main panel further including cell scores defining opposite substantially triangular main panel areas having the respective portion of the main fold line between said base points as a base, and having a common apex equidistant from the two top fold lines, said main panel also including a plurality of spaced parallel main scores extending parallel to, and between, the main fold lines, the stock of the main panel to either side of the said cell cuts being folded into a position substantially upright with respect to said top panel in which position they form polygonal cell walls adapted to grasp the circumference of the can, said side walls comprising substantially triangular hinge panels defined by said lateral edges, said diagonal scores and a further hinge line extending from said apex points to the respective lateral edge in a direction substantially parallel to said main fold lines, said hinge panels being tiltable relatively to the side walls in which they are formed, and also tiltable relatively to the endmost cell walls which are articulated to the side walls by said hinge panels, the top panel having two spaced handle cuts in it substantially at right angles to said top fold lines, said handle cuts extending across and beyond said top fold lines into the side walls, the stock of the top panel between said handle cuts constituting a central handle by which the carrier may be lifted.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,764,284 Arneson Sept. 25, 1956 2,811,250 Arneson Oct. 29, 1957 2,823,062 Toensmeier Feb. 11, 1958 

